Southern Appalachian RC&D FAC Coalition

The Firewise Communities/USA Recognition Program is a process that empowers neighbors to work together in reducing their wildfire risk.

About the Firewise Communities Program

Brush, grass and forest fires don’t have to be disasters. NFPA’s Firewise Communities Program encourages local solutions for safety by involving homeowners in taking individual responsibility for preparing their homes from the risk of wildfire. Firewise is a key component of Fire Adapted Communities – a collaborative approach that connects all those who play a role in wildfire education, planning and action with comprehensive resources to help reduce risk.

To save lives and property from wildfire, NFPA’s Firewise Communities program teaches people how to adapt to living with wildfire and encourages neighbors to work together and take action now to prevent losses. We all have a role to play in protecting ourselves and each other from the risk of wildfire.

Firewise tips checklist for Homeowners

Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks. This prevents embers from igniting your home.

Remove dead vegetation from under your deck and within 10 feet of the house.

Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches.

Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.

Tony Harkins received a prestigious fire prevention award from the Southern Region of the USDA Forest Service yesterday. Mike Davis, Forest Fire Management Officer, USDA Forest Service, presented Mr. Harkins with a 2015 Robert E. Browning, Jr. award for outstanding efforts in the area of forest fire prevention. Tony received one of four for the year 2015.

Robert E. Browning, Jr. was a firefighter from North Carolina who died in the line of duty on the South Canyon Fire in Colorado in 1994. This young man was also known for his fire prevention efforts. Tony had actually met him back when he worked with the US Forest Service here making this recognition even more meaningful. His Supervisor and Mike Davis were able to craft a nomination together last year to help recognize his passion and the tireless efforts he always puts forward to his communities. Demonstrated by this public servant every day.